Most people likely associate the Post-9/11 GI Bill's educational benefits as being used to gain an undergraduate bachelor's degree. Some schools, however, see the majority of their student veterans using their GI Bill benefits for graduate degrees.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),
more than 26,000 veterans used their GI Bill to enroll in graduate-level classes last year. That amounts to approximately 10% of all veterans enrolling in college classes under the GI Bill.
George Washington University (GWU), for instance, has approximately 70% of its student veterans enrolled in degree programs at graduate level. Indeed, more than 500 veterans have their educational benefits certified by GWU every school year.
GI Bill funding and monetary aid, however, differs for graduate level programs within universities and between schools. The GI Bill works differently when being used for graduate degrees than undergraduate.
Student veterans should first find out what to what percentage of their benefits they are eligible, as the percentage may fluctuate. Further, and before making any commitment to a school, veterans must find out if the school they are interested in has a Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP), and what benefits that program will provide them as a graduate student.
In order to use YRP benefits, veterans must be 100% eligible for their GI Bill benefits. Undergraduate students have their tuition reimbursed based on the highest rate of tuition at an in-state public school.
Student veterans enrolled in graduate degree programs will need the YRP to pay the difference between that number and their tuition. This will only be an issue, however, for veterans attending private universities.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.
Category: Veterans' Disability
To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.